songs from heaven

Tis the season for singing. And, my daughter does plenty of that! We prophetically named her Jenna when she was born. The name means "little bird" and she hasn't stopped chirping since. In the bathroom, at the table, in the car, during movies, when she's alone, when she's in a group of people. Sometimes, when I'm with her, I feel like a 90 year old man trying to merge my 62 Impala from the entrance ramp onto the highway. It's impossible to get a word in edgewise.

But, of course, I love her! And, I love her spirit. Whatever is in Jenna has to come out. It doesn't trickle. It bubbles up and gushes out. It overflows the banks of her little heart and floods the whole room. No matter how hard you try (and we have) you cannot corral her. You might as well try to fence the wind.

The day Jesus was born, I'm told that a whole choir of angels exploded: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." This wasn't just an announcement, like a newsboy in Times Square selling papers. It was cosmic news that couldn't be contained. God arrived on earth with grace and peace. A Savior was born. People could be saved.

This Christmas, don't hold back. Sing often, Sing loud. Sing strong. Follow the lead of the psalmist who wrote:

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.

[Psalm 40:1-3]